Who: Swedish Hasbeens – Enskede, Sweden

What: Lace-Up Boot

Where: Amazon.com – $195.42

Why We Love It: Just love the story behind Swedish Hasbeens – when founder Emy Blixt visited an old clog factory in her childhood village in southern Sweden, she bought up their old stock of 300 clogs from the 70’s to the benefit of her friends who went crazy for the vintage styles. A year later Swedish Hasbeens was born employing traditional clogmaking techniques in a modern way. Click to continue »

Who: David Trubridge, Cicada, NZ

What: Floral Pendant

Where: YLighting; $500 with free shipping on orders over $50

Why We Love ‘Em:

we love the innovative blend of art, nature & function…

we love the mesmerizing way the light filters through the organic pattern…

we love the way we can’t quite figure the design out – is it a web of hands, roots, petals, flowers or is that the point? to signify interdependence…. Click to continue »

Who: Madison & Grow; Los Angeles, CA

What: Elizabeth Moonbeam on Cream Wallpaper

Where: Feel More Human, two 27″x 15′ rolls for $300. Note, we did see these on sale for 40% off at EcoHaus in-store, but not online-may be worth a call…

Why: Because you are tired of plain white walls, because you seek a little more pizazz and because wallpaper is finally cool again (and in this case eco-friendly).

The Elizabeth print is so visually intriguing, I am completely spellbound by this wallpaper. Up close the pattern is very organic, like scales or scattered petals, but as you step back,  the geometric pattern emerges and yet does not over power the room. For those seeking to amp up the drama, try this print in the hot pink and dark grey combination.

Click to continue »

Who: Skip Hop,  (HQ) New York, NY, designed in New Zealand

What: Wishbone Bike

Where: Petit Trésor, $249 or the graphic limited edition, $299

Why: There is more than meets the eye to this bike. The Wishbone running bike, (note: no pedals), is a clever design that grows as your child grows. And given how quickly kids outgrow bikes, it makes sense to create one that can accommodate them through their first five years.  With a few minor modifications this bike transforms from a tricycle to a low riding two-wheeler (simply remove the two back wheels and reinstall one between the wishbone shaped frame) to a taller version of the low rider with just a flip of the frame. Click to continue »

I am a total sponge convert. I have completely given up the polyurethane foam sponge in favor of TWIST biodegradable sponges. I use theTwist European Sponge Cloth (cut in half) for wiping up the counter and any spills—suffice to say my paper towels have lost their prime real estate on the counter and have been demoted to the dark recesses beneath the sink. And the Twist Biodegradable Loofah Sponge is a great sponge–very sturdy and is just plain better than other sponges on the market. And better looking too-the perfect complement to my York soap caddy. I have gotten multiple uses out of each product simply by tossing them into the dishwasher. The cloths do look a tad beat up after a couple runs through the dishwasher, but they last 2-3 months-far longer than a paper towel. And when you are done, simply toss in the trash. Or as one of the TWIST reps does, toss it to your dog and let them revel in tearing it to shreds. Click to continue »

g diapers — okay, I am sooo not in the market for this–but just think they are adorable and offer a clever easy-to-use alternative to landfill clogging diapers. I completely understand why a lot of parents have reservations about embracing the cloth diaper, but the g diaper is a perfect ‘baby step’ (pun intended) into the world of cloth diapers. The inserts are completely biodegradable and can even be flushed down the toilet if you think your septic system can handle it. The g diaper been awarded the prestigious Cradle to Cradle certification from MBDC! A starter kit sells for $26.99 at diapers.com, refills run for about $0.41/each when purchased in bulk. Click to continue »